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Nov 28, 2013 Joanna Gruesome By Kate Bennett

As you might expect from an act whose members met in an anger management course, then twisted the name of pretty-voiced girl-with-a-harp Joanna Newsom into something that sounds like a cruel high school nickname, Welsh band Joanna Gruesome play loud, noisy, bratty punk rock, with the playful defiance of ‘90s riot grrrl and song titles such as “Anti-Parent Cowboy Killers” and “Lemonade Grrrl.” Frontwoman Alanna McCardle is equal parts dream-voiced Frances McKee and shouty Kathleen Hanna (one choice cut from the band’s lyrics: “I’ve been waiting to crush your fucking skull”), while her bandmates rustle up a grungy, jangly racket that combines Yo La Tengo’s ear for melody with the ferocity of Nirvana’s noisier moments. Imagine listening to Yuck’s debut album through a slightly broken car radio and you’ve pretty much got it. Weird Sister can be a little grating or samey at points, but overall it’s refreshing to hear a ‘90s revival band that actually has the furious lo-fi energy of the period nailed. (www.joannagruesome.bandcamp.com)

Author rating: 7/10